The Rock - Paarl

Over the last few weeks, we learned that Jesus is trustworthy and that we can follow Him. Then we learned that Jesus served and we all follow His legacy. Today we learn how Jesus seeks and how we can carry the message.

Our thoughts are powerful. They change our perspective, impact our decisions, and influence our habits. But what do we do when we become trapped by our very own thoughts, unable to escape our negative and unhealthy thinking? Let’s learn what it means to take our thoughts captive because the battle is won in the mind.

Our thoughts are powerful. They change our perspective, impact our decisions, and influence our habits. But what do we do when we become trapped by our very own thoughts, unable to escape our negative and unhealthy thinking? Let’s learn what it means to take our thoughts captive because the battle is won in the mind.

When it comes to leaving a legacy it takes being counter intuitive. We make a living by what we get yet we leave a legacy by what we give. Jesus taught of this upside down kingdom. It was counter intuitive (Mark 10:42-45). Jesus demonstrated this by how he lived and left a legacy. Though he is a king he came to serve. Let's learn how we can serve like Jesus did.

This year we are believing for people to live bold lives which, means being confident in God (Heb 10:35-36). God has promises and plans for each of our lives, and he also calls us to be a part of a greater mission. Q: Have you ever considered that God can use you to change the world around us? God builds us up to be world changers but the enemy tries to convince us that we can’t be a part of His plans. But never forget that God is the one who calls and qualifies you. Let God define your future. Here are 4 things we should do to be a part of something greater that God is doing in us and through us: 1️⃣ LET GO & RECEIVE To move forward we have to let go of some things in our past. Some hurts, anger, lies that have caused us to live small. Q: What must you let go of to receive the full life that Jesus has for you? (Eph 4:17-24) We have all made mistakes, but those mistakes don’t have to define us. Letting go allows us to receive the new life that Jesus has for us. (Eph 4:21-24) Letting go allows us to be a part of something greater. Community is there to help us to let go and receive all that Jesus has for us. 2️⃣ TAKE HOLD & DISCOVER We are called to make a difference in this life, and we do that when we take hold of our new life with Jesus and discover our part in the greater work He is doing. Jesus sets the perfect example for us (John 13:3-5 / 12-15). Take hold of what Jesus has done for you and discover all he has set before you. 3️⃣ GROW CLOSER & REACH BEYOND The church is the hope of the world. We should always be looking to grow closer so that we can reach further into the world to make a difference. (Phil 2:1-5 & 15) We have a great ability to be a blessing to others when we come together as one. Q: Who are you doing life with? Do you have friends who you can do good with? 4️⃣ BE BOLD & BELIEVE Jesus is the only one who can lead us into new life where we are a part of something greater (2 Cor 5:17). We need to be bold and believe in the power and person of Jesus. We need to follow him boldly as he leads us into an awesome future!

This year we are believing for people to live bold lives which, means being confident in God (Heb 10:35-36). God has promises and plans for each of our lives, and he also calls us to be a part of a greater mission. Q: Have you ever considered that God can use you to change the world around us? God builds us up to be world changers but the enemy tries to convince us that we can’t be a part of His plans. But never forget that God is the one who calls and qualifies you. Let God define your future. Here are 4 things we should do to be a part of something greater that God is doing in us and through us: 1️⃣ LET GO & RECEIVE To move forward we have to let go of some things in our past. Some hurts, anger, lies that have caused us to live small. Q: What must you let go of to receive the full life that Jesus has for you? (Eph 4:17-24) We have all made mistakes, but those mistakes don’t have to define us. Letting go allows us to receive the new life that Jesus has for us. (Eph 4:21-24) Letting go allows us to be a part of something greater. Community is there to help us to let go and receive all that Jesus has for us. 2️⃣ TAKE HOLD & DISCOVER We are called to make a difference in this life, and we do that when we take hold of our new life with Jesus and discover our part in the greater work He is doing. Jesus sets the perfect example for us (John 13:3-5 / 12-15). Take hold of what Jesus has done for you and discover all he has set before you. 3️⃣ GROW CLOSER & REACH BEYOND The church is the hope of the world. We should always be looking to grow closer so that we can reach further into the world to make a difference. (Phil 2:1-5 & 15) We have a great ability to be a blessing to others when we come together as one. Q: Who are you doing life with? Do you have friends who you can do good with? 4️⃣ BE BOLD & BELIEVE Jesus is the only one who can lead us into new life where we are a part of something greater (2 Cor 5:17). We need to be bold and believe in the power and person of Jesus. We need to follow him boldly as he leads us into an awesome future!

Every Sunday, The Rock streams their church services. So why not join us at 10 am on www.therockchurch.co.za.

We all want to live in financial freedom, but if money controls us then we will never have it. We could have great wealth and still not have financial freedom. The decisions you make today will impact your future so let’s make the right, BOLD financial decisions. There are 3 areas to work on if we want to find financial freedom. - Obedience - Being fruitful - ⁠Managing our finances Today we will look at obedience. We need to do what God tells us to do if we want God to bless our finances. Q: [Read Psalm 112] What does it mean to live a blessed life? Is it finances only? We are blessed in many more ways when we live in true financial freedom. But the blessings are a by product of fearing God. God is always the focus of our lives. The bible warns us against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10). When we place God at the centre of our lives, including our finances, the blessing, in all its different shapes and sizes will follow. Don’t chase money, chase after God and follow his commands. The bible commands us to bring our tithes and our offerings. The tithe is holy and belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30 / malachi 3:10). It’s important to know that Tithing is still important in our obedience today. Here are 3 reasons why: 1️⃣ We bring honour to the Lord when we tithe (Prov 3:9) God is still holy and worthy of our honour. (Malachi 1:6-8) By being faithful with bringing our tithe we honour God and acknowledge him as our provider. 2️⃣ There is provision for ministry when we tithe (Malachi 3:10) The storehouse is your local church. Our tithe allows the full time ministry to happen that will advance the kingdom of God. 3️⃣ When we tithe, the 90% is redeemed (Exodus 13:1-2) The first 10% belongs to God and redeems the rest when we bring it to God. No one has the power to bless your finances but God. Some people mistakenly think that tithing was only for the Old Testament law. Here is why Gods commands are still relevant today: These 3 reasons below were relevant in the Old Testament and are still relevant today. - ⁠We can’t ignore godly principles because they came through the Old Testament (Matt 5:17-18) - ⁠The bible described tithing long before the Old Testament law was given (Gen 14:20; Gen 28:22). - ⁠Jesus commanded it aswell (Matthew 23:23). The good news is God’s promises are still applicable today too! We find financial freedom when we live under that blessing. Obedience is how we start to step into that blessing. Chasing after God is the first step in financial freedom.

We all want to live in financial freedom, but if money controls us then we will never have it. We could have great wealth and still not have financial freedom. The decisions you make today will impact your future so let’s make the right, BOLD financial decisions. There are 3 areas to work on if we want to find financial freedom. - Obedience - Being fruitful - ⁠Managing our finances Today we will look at obedience. We need to do what God tells us to do if we want God to bless our finances. Q: [Read Psalm 112] What does it mean to live a blessed life? Is it finances only? We are blessed in many more ways when we live in true financial freedom. But the blessings are a by product of fearing God. God is always the focus of our lives. The bible warns us against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10). When we place God at the centre of our lives, including our finances, the blessing, in all its different shapes and sizes will follow. Don’t chase money, chase after God and follow his commands. The bible commands us to bring our tithes and our offerings. The tithe is holy and belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30 / malachi 3:10). It’s important to know that Tithing is still important in our obedience today. Here are 3 reasons why: 1️⃣ We bring honour to the Lord when we tithe (Prov 3:9) God is still holy and worthy of our honour. (Malachi 1:6-8) By being faithful with bringing our tithe we honour God and acknowledge him as our provider. 2️⃣ There is provision for ministry when we tithe (Malachi 3:10) The storehouse is your local church. Our tithe allows the full time ministry to happen that will advance the kingdom of God. 3️⃣ When we tithe, the 90% is redeemed (Exodus 13:1-2) The first 10% belongs to God and redeems the rest when we bring it to God. No one has the power to bless your finances but God. Some people mistakenly think that tithing was only for the Old Testament law. Here is why Gods commands are still relevant today: These 3 reasons below were relevant in the Old Testament and are still relevant today. - ⁠We can’t ignore godly principles because they came through the Old Testament (Matt 5:17-18) - ⁠The bible described tithing long before the Old Testament law was given (Gen 14:20; Gen 28:22). - ⁠Jesus commanded it aswell (Matthew 23:23). The good news is God’s promises are still applicable today too! We find financial freedom when we live under that blessing. Obedience is how we start to step into that blessing. Chasing after God is the first step in financial freedom.

We can’t always choose what happens to us but we can control how we will respond. We always have a choice. We have the power to choose joy in difficult situations. (John 4:4) Although the things we face may be extremely challenging, we still have a God who is able to see us through any situation (Psalm 23:5). There are many things we can choose that lead us to joy. Gratitude, praise, thankfulness, prayer, they all lead to joy. Here are 3 decisions we can make to choose joy: 1️⃣ I’m going to see beyond what has happened (Philippians 1:12-18) In our lives there is what is happening and then there is what is ACTUALLY happening. What’s actually happening is not just an event in the natural but in the supernatural too. You don’t always see the “actually” over night, but God is able to work all things together for good. Every obstacle we face is actually an opportunity for the glory of God to be revealed in your life. Focus on what is ‘actually’ happening. Q: Can you remember a challenging time when God was actually doing something good in your life that wasn’t obvious to you at first? 2️⃣ I’m going to choose to look for the re-direct (Philippians 1:13-14) Sometimes it’s not a setback, it’s just God redirecting us to something greater. And that is what living surrendered is all about. To have joy is also to be flexible when God moves us or changes things up. Q: Do you think that you are flexible and ready for God to re-direct you in different areas of your life? 3️⃣ I’m going to choose to focus on what really matters (Philippians 1:15-18) Are we going to let the situations we face rob us of what God has before us? Nothing but bitterness and a lack of joy comes from focusing on the bad. Don’t let your challenges rob you of your peace and joy. Make the choice to rejoice. Another way to think of rejoicing is to “RE - JOY”. Have joy again. Rehearse Gods goodness in your life. Focus on it and remember what he has done in your life.

We can’t always choose what happens to us but we can control how we will respond. We always have a choice. We have the power to choose joy in difficult situations. (John 4:4) Although the things we face may be extremely challenging, we still have a God who is able to see us through any situation (Psalm 23:5). There are many things we can choose that lead us to joy. Gratitude, praise, thankfulness, prayer, they all lead to joy. Here are 3 decisions we can make to choose joy: 1️⃣ I’m going to see beyond what has happened (Philippians 1:12-18) In our lives there is what is happening and then there is what is ACTUALLY happening. What’s actually happening is not just an event in the natural but in the supernatural too. You don’t always see the “actually” over night, but God is able to work all things together for good. Every obstacle we face is actually an opportunity for the glory of God to be revealed in your life. Focus on what is ‘actually’ happening. Q: Can you remember a challenging time when God was actually doing something good in your life that wasn’t obvious to you at first? 2️⃣ I’m going to choose to look for the re-direct (Philippians 1:13-14) Sometimes it’s not a setback, it’s just God redirecting us to something greater. And that is what living surrendered is all about. To have joy is also to be flexible when God moves us or changes things up. Q: Do you think that you are flexible and ready for God to re-direct you in different areas of your life? 3️⃣ I’m going to choose to focus on what really matters (Philippians 1:15-18) Are we going to let the situations we face rob us of what God has before us? Nothing but bitterness and a lack of joy comes from focusing on the bad. Don’t let your challenges rob you of your peace and joy. Make the choice to rejoice. Another way to think of rejoicing is to “RE - JOY”. Have joy again. Rehearse Gods goodness in your life. Focus on it and remember what he has done in your life.

Gerrit Van Niekerk shares on how God is the one who is always in control when life's challenges faces us. It is not checkmate for you - if you know God has the final move.

History has been shaped by people who thought ‘what if?’. There is so much power in a thought. 1️⃣ Your thinking determines your living. (Ecclesiastes 10:2) Our living is a result of our thinking. Everything in life begins with a thought. Every sin and every good action begins with a thought.(Romans 12:2) We need to let God change our thinking through his Word. 2️⃣ Your thinking determines how you feel (Philippians 4:8) As we set our minds on the right things, God is able to give us peace in our hearts and our minds. Q: Have you ever experienced how thinking about good things has changed how you felt for the better? 3️⃣ Your thinking determines your destiny Your thinking drives the direction of your life. (Romans 8:5-6) We can have the peace of God when we set our minds on the things of God. We can’t always control the thoughts that come into our minds but we can capture them. You don’t have to think every thought you think. 🔵 4 ways to capture and change your thoughts 1 - Examine your thoughts. (Hebrews 4:12) Judge every thought you have against the Word of God. Is it of God? Q: Are you often intentional about examining your thought? Or do you find this a difficult thing to do? 2 - Replace your thoughts (Romans 12:2 NIV) Replace the thoughts that aren’t from God with God’s Word. Q: What is one thought that you know is NOT from God? And what does God’s word say about it? 3 - Direct your thoughts (Isaiah 26:3/Colossians 3:2) Think about what God says about you. Direct your thoughts to what God says about you. 4 - Grow your thoughts (Hebrews 10:24-25) You need to be surrounded by people who will grow the thoughts that will shape your life for the better! People that will cause you to grow with God BOLDLY!

We can learn so much from the story of the Wright brothers who changed the world by revolutionising how we look at flying. Today, because of their bold dreams roughly 6 million people fly daily. Imagine what you might be capable of with God by your side. Being bold is not just what we do, it’s who we are (Proverbs 28:1). Here are four areas that will help us live boldly: 1️⃣ To be BOLD we need vision Vision starts on the inside. (Ephesians 4:24) Gods spirit is able to renew us and give us fresh vision for the future. Like the Wright brothers, we must believe that the impossible can be possible. How much more are we, who walk by faith and not by sight, able to achieve with God by our side! Q - what are the things that you have been or are most passionate about? We know that God can do what we can’t do (Matthew 19:26). Be bold enough to have an impossibly big vision for your life, and trust God to go before you. 2️⃣ To be BOLD we need to change our lens When we pursue our dreams we will face opposition.(Numbers 13:33) When we stair at the obstacles in the way of our dreams we may feel like it’s impossible. But when we keep our faith and remember where the promise comes from, we can take bold steps to pursue all God had for us. Q - Do you have challenges in your world that seem intimidating? Financial, relational, a bad habit, lack of self worth? It may be time to change your lens and start to focus on what God has promised - what God has said - his purposes for you. 3️⃣ To be BOLD we need to identify the steps ahead We can’t move when we don’t know where to place our feet.(John 16:33) Your faith will grow when you take steps to grow and trust God. (Romans 5:3-4) Q - Have you identified your next steps to move closer to God and forward in your vision/dreams? Or is this an area you need to ask God to guide you in? 4️⃣ To be BOLD you need to use what is in your hand (Exodus 4:2-3) Don’t be fooled into thinking you need more than you have to reach the vision God has given you. Moses felt unprepared, but God showed he can do the extraordinary with what we call ordinary. Start today being bold with what you have and the vision and dreams God has given you.

We can learn so much from the story of the Wright brothers who changed the world by revolutionising how we look at flying. Today, because of their bold dreams roughly 6 million people fly daily. Imagine what you might be capable of with God by your side. Being bold is not just what we do, it’s who we are (Proverbs 28:1). Here are four areas that will help us live boldly: 1️⃣ To be BOLD we need vision Vision starts on the inside. (Ephesians 4:24) Gods spirit is able to renew us and give us fresh vision for the future. Like the Wright brothers, we must believe that the impossible can be possible. How much more are we, who walk by faith and not by sight, able to achieve with God by our side! Q - what are the things that you have been or are most passionate about? We know that God can do what we can’t do (Matthew 19:26). Be bold enough to have an impossibly big vision for your life, and trust God to go before you. 2️⃣ To be BOLD we need to change our lens When we pursue our dreams we will face opposition.(Numbers 13:33) When we stair at the obstacles in the way of our dreams we may feel like it’s impossible. But when we keep our faith and remember where the promise comes from, we can take bold steps to pursue all God had for us. Q - Do you have challenges in your world that seem intimidating? Financial, relational, a bad habit, lack of self worth? It may be time to change your lens and start to focus on what God has promised - what God has said - his purposes for you. 3️⃣ To be BOLD we need to identify the steps ahead We can’t move when we don’t know where to place our feet.(John 16:33) Your faith will grow when you take steps to grow and trust God. (Romans 5:3-4) Q - Have you identified your next steps to move closer to God and forward in your vision/dreams? Or is this an area you need to ask God to guide you in? 4️⃣ To be BOLD you need to use what is in your hand (Exodus 4:2-3) Don’t be fooled into thinking you need more than you have to reach the vision God has given you. Moses felt unprepared, but God showed he can do the extraordinary with what we call ordinary. Start today being bold with what you have and the vision and dreams God has given you.

We just had our vision Sunday. On vision Sunday every year we have ‘a word’ that sets the direction that we are moving in. Last year it was FORWARD, and it truly did propel our church and so many individuals forward into all God had for them in 2023. But this year our new word is BOLD! To be bold is to be confident, courageous, fearless, brave, and daring. Proverbs 28:1 NKJ says “…the righteous are as bold as a lion”. We are believing for bold dreams, bold prayers, and bold invitations in the year that lies ahead (read Ephesians 3:12 // Hebrews 4:16 KJV). Q : Have you thought of some things that you are trusting and believing God for in 2024? Q: How can you start to be bold before God as you trust him in your life? Boldness is confidence, it’s knowing that when we pray in faith according to Gods word and live in obedience, that we will receive what we ask for. We have a faithful Father in heaven who is more than able! Having a vision and a word for the year is about reminding us of our ‘why’. Why we do what we do. Why God has placed us where he has placed us. Why God has chosen us to reach out and impact the world around us. Vision helps us be effective in all we have been called and equipped for (read proverbs 29:18). We need vision for every area of our life. Vision to give us confidence and direction. Don’t lose vision for your life. When you lose your ‘why’ you lose your way. Reflect: Do you have an area in your life that needs a fresh vision to help you find your ‘why’ and your way? Consider your family / your church involvement / your social groups / your business / etc. Spend time with God and ask him to give you vision to walk in this year. Then be bold (confident and full of faith) as you step out in faith in 2024 and trust God to lead you in that vision. Go to https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c0a0-TM8Y04 for the full message.

The world says that it’s normal to live with stress in an ever changing world. But as people of faith we should remember that we are people in the world but of the Kingdom. We need to shift our perspective. We have an unchanging God (Malachi 3:6 / Hebrews 13:8). Let us follow His ways above what the world says. (Matthew 6:31-34) God really cares about YOU and he knows what we need, but he still desires us to put Him first even above all our worries. He wants our focus to be on Him. Q - Do you have things in your life that remind you to shift your focus back to God? (A scripture, song, quote or memory perhaps) What we behold we become. To behold is to ‘observe and consider’. When we behold Him we become more like Him. When we behold the things of the world we become more stressed and anxious. But looking up - lifts up. When we fix our eyes to look up to God we find it lifts us up out of a place of worry. Focus on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Q - can you think of a difficult experience or situation when God was by your side? Have you known God’s peace, or joy, maybe it was a sense of hope, or comfort, etc? When we choose to focus on God’s ways we can experience a flourishing and fulfilled life! His promise is to give us dreams and visions for the future when we focus on Him (Joel 2:28). Do you have a dream and a vision for the future? God is ready to do new things in your future. Prophesy about your future - speak the word of God into your life and into your future. Allow the Holy Spirit to make space in your life to give you hope for what is to come. But it all starts with putting our trust and focus in God first. (Psalms 37:3-4)

We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.